A Tipton man critically injured in a motorcycle crash last summer was given another three-month delay in a hearing on charges he caused a Morenci man’s death during a dispute on May 31.

Jeremy Richard James, 31, appeared Wednesday in Lenawee County Circuit Court wearing a neck brace and walking slowly with a cane. He was ordered to return June 4 to determine if he is able to assist in his defense.

James is charged with manslaughter and reckless driving causing the death of 26-year-old Ronald Michael Gaydosh. The charges carry up to a 15-year prison term.

Gaydosh fell from the hood of James’ moving car during a dispute at Gaydosh’s home where his children live. Gaydosh’s wife had three children with James before marrying Gaydosh.

Three weeks after he was charged in Gaydosh’s death, James was critically injured in a motorcycle crash on M-50 near Brooklyn. He was taken from the scene by helicopter to the University of Michigan Health System.

James was unable to attend an Oct. 30 hearing because of his injuries. Wednesday was James’ first appearance in court since August.

Judge Timothy P. Pickard scheduled another pre-trial hearing for June 4. The delay was requested for neurological testing to determine if James is competent to assist in his defense.

Defense attorney Jennifer Lamp of Jackson stated in an email in October that she expects the case to go to trial.

“I anticipate presenting evidence in my client's defense that he was not the initial aggressor and that, further, he was act­ing in self-defense and defense of others,” she stated.

Lamp told the court Wednesday she is seeking additional medical records of Gaydosh’s treatment as well as information redacted from police reports by the Lenawee County prosecutor’s office.

“Your honor, they have everything I have,” said Prosecutor Burke Castleberry.

Only personal information on Gaydosh and family members was redacted to comply with the Crime Victims Rights Act, he said. He can only release that information if ordered by the court, he said.

Castleberry said he does not have medical records from two Ohio hospitals where Gaydosh was treated.

“We don’t need them,” he said. Autopsy reports from the Lucas County coroner have been provided, he said.

Pickard agreed to Lamp’s request he sign a subpoena for the hospitals to release their records.